This 86-year-old theatre is one of the few remaining venues of the historic “Chitlin Circuit.” The project is an integral component of the Church Street comprehensive redevelopment initiative administered by the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The name of the theatre, “Attucks” commemorates Crispus Attucks, an African American man who was the first American patriot to lose his life in the Boston Massacre of 1770. The newly restored fire curtain on which is painted a scene depicting this historical event is suspended from the stage’s proscenium still remains in the theatre today.
The renovation of the Historic Crispus Attucks Theatre included an investment of $7,500,000 and would not have been possible without the use of New Markets Tax Credits. “Hampton Roads Ventures is honored to have had the opportunity to contribute to the success of this most important and highly innovative community economic development project. We look forward the continuing our efforts to attract much-needed private capital into lower-income communities throughout the Southeast. We are very appreciative of the resources provided by Jim Howard and the Dudley Ventures team. Their assistance and resources have enabled us to be at the forefront of innovative community development finance.” Robert Jenkins, former Managing Director of Hampton Roads Ventures.